When Public Passion Masks Private Passivity
We're living in an age where Christian talk is abundant, but Christian obedience is rare. The disconnect isn't just disappointing, it's deadly. We've mastered the art of theological discussion while abandoning the discipline of faithful action.
Fruit and Its Root: The Heart of the King’s Sermon
In Luke 6:43-45, Jesus delivers a concise yet profound lesson in His “King’s Sermon,” revealing how the heart shapes our lives. This passage, simple on the surface, holds transformative power: our actions and words—the fruit of our lives—flow from the root of our hearts. By understanding this, we can address sin at its source and grow to reflect Christ, producing good fruit through God’s grace.
Balancing Softness and Hardness in Pastoral Leadership
Martin Luther observed, "The pastor must be soft and hard at the same time—a rare combination." Picture a pastor on Sunday morning, knowing that in the third row sits a man whose drinking is destroying his family, while two rows back, a grieving widow struggles with doubt after losing her husband. They both need to be shepherded, but in different ways. One calls for a firm confrontation, while the other calls for a gentle presence. How can a shepherd handle this conflict without allowing the destructive to flourish or crushing the weak?
Judging with Grace: The King’s Sermon on Humility and Mercy
In Luke 6:37-42, Jesus delivers a piercing yet grace-filled lesson in His “King’s Sermon,” challenging His disciples to reject judgmental attitudes and embrace humility, mercy, and forgiveness. This passage, part of the Sermon on the Mount, exposes the hypocrisy of self-righteous criticism and offers a path to reflect God’s character. As Christians, we’re called to judge rightly but with love, ensuring our hearts are free from pride before addressing others’ faults.
Afraid of Joy: Overcoming Self-Sabotage
God gives us joy, which is a direct path to the eternity He has promised. But when it comes up, a lot of us automatically dismiss it. We distrust it because we believe we don't deserve it or that it will eventually disappear. This causes us to ruin our relationships, peace, and prosperity before they deteriorate on their own.
INTRO The Church as The People of the Triune God
The doctrine of the Trinity is one of these truths and it is foundational to our faith. In it, we assert that the one true God, creator and covenant Lord, eternally subsists in the three persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—co-equal and consubstantial; of one essence in power, authority, glory, and all divine perfections; distinguished by personal relations.
Bridging the Gap Between Generations in the Body of Christ
The body of Christ is a beautiful mix of people from all walks of life, different cultures, backgrounds, and generations, old and young alike. However, churches often tend to categorize people based on their age, just like the world does. I believe the Bible shows us a more extraordinary and beautiful perspective on life and age.
The Radical Love of the King’s Sermon: Mercy in Action
In Luke 6:29b-36, Jesus continues His transformative “King’s Sermon,” calling His disciples to embody the character of God’s kingdom through radical love and mercy. This passage, part of the Sermon on the Mount, challenges believers to live differently in a world that thrives on retaliation and self-interest. Jesus outlines a love that goes beyond human instinct, reflecting the heart of God Himself. As citizens of His kingdom, Christians are called to love their enemies, show mercy, and trust God to empower them in this countercultural mission.
Holy War Requires Holy Hands
It's admirable that you young Christian men are passionate about cultural conflicts, but before God can give you spiritual authority, you must be clean. There are many examples of fallen leaders in the modern church who bravely battled against outside forces but harbored hidden sins that ultimately destroyed their ministries and harmed the gospel message. The warrior who enters combat with a compromised character is more dangerous than the one who chooses not to fight.
Love Your Enemies: The Radical Call of the King’s Sermon
In Luke 6:27-29a, part of Jesus’ transformative “King’s Sermon,” He delivers a command that challenges every instinct: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” These words, echoed in Matthew 5:38-48, are not just counterintuitive—they’re revolutionary. Jesus calls His disciples to a love that defies human nature, a love that reflects the heart of God in a world steeped in hostility. How do we live this out in a culture that thrives on retaliation?
God’s Design for Order: Headship, Gender, and the Glory of Christ
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)
God is a God of order, not chaos. In His divine wisdom, He has built institutions—government, the church, and the family—with structure, leadership, and submission for human flourishing. When we rebel against God’s design then things go awry.
Blessed in Persecution: The King’s Sermon on Standing Firm
In Luke 6:22-23 and 26, part of what we call “The King’s Sermon,” Jesus delivers a powerful message about the reality of persecution for His followers. This final beatitude and its corresponding woe address the cost of discipleship in a world that often rejects Christ. Through vivid contrasts, Jesus prepares His disciples—and us—for the inevitable hostility that comes with bearing His name, while promising a heavenly reward that far outweighs earthly trials.
Happiness or Holiness: Why We Don’t Have to Choose
Happiness and holiness get framed as opposites, like you must pick one and ditch the other. That's a false choice, a trap that leaves us either spiritually empty or burdened with unnecessary guilt. God doesn't set it up that way. Scripture connects them: holiness is the path to true happiness, the kind that lasts, not the end of joy. Christ didn't come to keep us dour or briefly amused. He came to bring us into His joy, the sort that stands forever. We miss it because we are afraid of feeling good or because we cling to false definitions.
True Generosity
Generosity is not about dollar signs. It’s about the heart. And in this passage, Paul offers us a stunning picture of what genuine Christian giving looks like. Let’s walk through it together.
The King’s Sermon: Blessed or Cursed?
In the heart of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:20-21 and 24-25, part of what we call “The King’s Sermon,” lies a profound contrast between two kinds of people: those who are blessed and those who face woe. This passage, often known as the Beatitudes and Woes, challenges our worldly notions of success and happiness. Jesus speaks directly to His disciples, urging them to see beyond temporary circumstances and embrace the eternal realities of God’s kingdom. His words resonate as much today as they did 2,000 years ago, offering hope to the struggling and a warning to the self-satisfied.
Early Motherhood Can Provide a Unique Window to the Cross– If We Let It
There’s a large group of people at church but not in church– Sunday after Sunday, for as long as church has been held, all across the globe.
These are the mothers.
Moms of little ones sneak out of sermons and slink out of sanctuaries to feed, comfort, and rock their restless babies. Moms haunt the hallways cradling overtired six-month-olds and guiding toddlers to the potty for the third time since service started.
The King’s Sermon: A Call to Transformative Faith
The Sermon on the Mount, or as I call it, “The King’s Sermon,” stands as one of Jesus’ most profound teachings, recorded in Luke 6:17-49 and Matthew 5-7. Often described as the pinnacle of Christian ethics, this sermon is majestic in its simplicity, ambition, and calling. It’s not just a set of moral guidelines but a manifesto for what it means to live as a citizen of Christ’s kingdom. As we embark on exploring this sermon, let’s consider its weight, its context, and its transformative power for our lives today.
Godly Grief
Godly Grief vs. Worldly Grief: The Kind of Sorrow That Leads to Life
At some point in life, we all feel the sting of shame. Maybe it comes after a heated argument, a failed relationship, or a moment when we let our integrity slip. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Is this sorrow from God—or is it just from the world?
In 2 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul introduces us to two very different kinds of grief. One leads to life. The other leads to death.
Overwhelmed, Exhausted, and Always Behind: Could Your Phone Be the Problem?
Could our phones be subtly robbing us of focus, peace, contentment, and joy? They’re snatching away precious time. Are you a phone addict?